2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX Announced for U.S. Market

Emphasizing the “sport” in “sport touring”, the new supercharged 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX and H2 SX SE have relaxed ergonomics, but very serious chassis and engine performance.

Cruise control, heated grips and luggage are all available, so you could commute in relative comfort, and even tour two-up, while feathering a throttle that is capable of unleashing performance never seen in this category before courtesy of the 998cc supercharged inline four engine.

The supercharged engine is dramatically revised from the even sportier Ninja H2 to substantially increase fuel economy and low-to-midrange power. The SE model comes with additional standard equipment such as a TFT LCD meter, LED cornering lights and grip warmers.

The standard H2 SX starts at $19,000 U.S. MSRP, while the H2 SX SE starts at $22,000. You can have all the details and specifications in the full Kawasaki press release below:

The Kawasaki Ninja H2™ SX and Ninja H2™ SX SE are the world’s most advanced hypersport motorcycle, derived from the prestigious supercharged Ninja H2™ superbike family pedigree. Blending performance and ultimate real world handling, the new lightweight supercharged sportbike line of Ninja H2 SX motorcycles is sure to continue in the award winning ways of its counterparts, and become the new standard by which the sportbike category is judged.

Kawasaki is once again leading the way in bringing supercharged performance technology to a sportbike and increased functionality for everyday street use. In building the Ninja H2 SX, Kawasaki tuned the engine to provide power where it is most useful, in the low to mid range, With that, we have created one of the most advanced and well-balanced motorcycles in performance, comfort, and efficiency. It is truly Built Beyond Belief.

Developed for the daily applications of today’s sportbike rider, the Ninja H2 SX and Ninja H2 SX SE utilize a balanced supercharged engine that offers optimal output performance in the low to mid RPM range, all while achieving excellent fuel efficiency. This highly refined package has created an unrivaled level of performance and comfort, with agile handling, akin to its superbike counterparts.

This incredible duo shares many of the technologically advanced components of its supercharged hypersport counterparts, but is also refined for everyday street use. The Ninja H2 SX features a 998cc inline four-cylinder engine design, new balanced supercharger, single-sided swingarm, and dog-ring transmission, all new aggressive full fairing bodywork, new passenger friendly trellis frame, and Kawasaki first TFT LCD meter and full LED Lighting. 

Highlights of the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX & Ninja H2 SX SE Sportbikes:

• NEW 998cc four-cylinder supercharged engine combines power, everyday usability and fuel efficiency
• NEW Redesigned passenger friendly trellis frame, convenient KQR® luggage mounting, and longer wheelbase
• NEW Aggressive full fairing bodywork
• NEW Electronic cruise control for improved comfort on long distance rides
• NEW Comfort designed seats
• NEW All-LED Lighting- headlamp, taillight, and licenses plate light
• NEW High-Class instrumentation bank
• Full suite of electronic rider assist functions

The Ninja H2 SX & Ninja H2 SX SE are designed to be premier, class-leading sportbike machines. The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX and Ninja H2 SX SE feature brand new Kawasaki Electronic Cruise Control, Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Kawasaki anti-lock Braking (KIBS), and Bosch IMU. Thanks to the Kawasaki proprietary software that works with the IMU, the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX features six axes of measurement creating a highly advanced electronics package.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE

• NEW LED Cornering Lights
• NEW High-class instrumentation Multi-Function TFT Color LCD Meter
• NEW Larger Windscreen
• Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM)
• Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) (up and down)
• Steel Braided Brake lines
• Heated grips
• Centerstand

Kawasaki introduces the 2018 Ninja H2 SX SE motorcycle, a special edition model with many premium technical features as well as different fit and finish options.

The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE features full LED cornering lights. Three lights built into both sides of the fairing are activated by the lean angle of the motorcycle (10^o/20^o/30^o), creating a wider path of light. The SE’s multi-function TFT LCD Color screen enables information to be displayed graphically in two selectable display modes, Touring or Sport. Each of the display modes allows riders to prioritize the information they want to see depending on the kind of riding they are doing at the time.

The Ninja H2 SX SE has some premium performance features that are not found on the base model, such as Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM) and Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS). Kawasaki Launch Control Mode electronically controls the engine to assist riders by optimizing acceleration from a stop, minimizing wheel spin and wheelies. Designed to enhance sportbike performance, Kawasaki Quick Shifter allows for dual direction clutchless shifting. Steel braided brake lines are also incorporated to further enhance the performance of the Ninja H2 SX SE, which ensures a more direct transfer of hydraulic fluid between the piston and caliper, resulting in strong, powerful, and reliable braking performance. The SE model also features an enlarged windscreen to divert wind energy at speed and improve overall ride comfort.

The Ninja H2 SX SE is a beautiful piece of machinery. It is available in Emerald Blaze Green/Metallic Diablo Black, and features two-tone leather/suede seats further enhancing the unique design.

With the addition of the new Ninja H2 SX, and the new components of the Ninja H2 SX SE, the supercharged Ninja H2 family of motorcycles continues to set the bar as some of the most exciting motorcycles available.

Chassis

The Ninja H2 SX shares a trellis frame design similar to that of their Ninja H2 and H2™R counterparts, but it has been completely redesigned for compatibility with passengers and luggage. The new frame has a 430 lb payload. In addition to the increased payload capacity, the wheelbase and rigidity of the frame have also increased to ensure a smooth ride at highway speeds; it also features a 30-degree steering angle side to side to increase low speed maneuverability.

The Ninja H2 SX features a single-sided swingarm, similar to that of the Ninja H2 and Ninja H2R. The swingarm has been lengthened 15mm for improved performance. Designed to be lightweight whilst retaining high rigidity, the angular cross-section swingarm is constructed of forged aluminum.

Engine

While the engine & supercharger of the Ninja H2 SX appear very similar to other models in the Ninja H2 family, it has undergone several significant changes to create a new riding experience for the supercharged machine.

In order to achieve the desired fuel efficiency while maintaining the low to mid rpm performance characteristics of the award winning Ninja H2 platform it was critical to improve the engine’s thermal efficiency by increasing the compression ratio 8.5:1 to11.2:1; this was done by utilizing new cast aluminum pistons with a revised crown design, new cylinder head and cylinder. Also aiding in the pursuit of improved efficiency in street environments the intake and exhaust cam profiles were shortened to match the reduced airflow requirements of every day street riding, while also providing low-to-mid range performance and fuel efficiency. The Ninja H2 SX also features a new supercharger impeller, intake chamber, cams, and exhaust components to create a well balanced engine.

The street specific Ninja H2 SX supercharger design and tuning were developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) showcasing the in-house knowledge of forced induction engine performance. The supercharger’s high efficiency and minimal heat gain meant an intercooler was unnecessary, allowing savings in both weight and space. The supercharger is located centrally, behind the cylinder bank, in the best position to evenly distribute the compressed air to all four cylinders.

The supercharger is driven by a planetary gear train, which runs off the crankshaft. The gear train increases the impeller speed up to 9.2x the crank speed (1.15x step gear with an 8x planetary gear).

To facilitate smooth, quick shifting, a dog-ring-type transmission was selected, with optimal gear ratios for street performance. This is similar to the kind commonly found in MotoGP racing and was developed with feedback from the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT). The dog-rings are lighter than conventional transmission gears; this type of transmission offers significantly lighter shift effort, facilitating quicker acceleration.

The Ninja H2 SX features a high-quality clutch with assist and slipper function working in unison with its dog-ring transmission. The assist and slipper clutch results in a lighter pull and stronger clamping force during clutch engagement. Additionally, the back-torque limiting slipper function of the clutch contributes to stability by helping to prevent wheel hop during downshifts.

Full Fairing & Relaxed Sporty Riding Position

The sleek full fairing bodywork of the Ninja H2 SX isn’t just for good looks; it also provides some protection to riders from the wind while riding. The ability to design and equip the Ninja H2 SX with a fairing wouldn’t have been possible without the highly efficient engine, that puts off significantly less heat than its Ninja H2 counterparts, all while maintaining the performance and fun that the supercharged Ninja H2 family is known for.

The riding position contributes a great deal to the comfort of a motorcycle, and the Ninja H2 SX has struck the perfect balance between relaxed and sporty riding positions. High-speed performance is difficult to achieve with an upright riding position, but the full fairing of the Ninja H2 SX provides superb wind protection that makes this achievable. The position is comfortable for both in-town riding and long touring, while still enabling the rider to enjoy sporty riding.

Fully Adjustable Suspension

The 43mm KYB front fork of the Ninja H2 SX is fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping as well as preload; the setting chosen for the fork ensures a balance of comfort and sport performance.

A fully adjustable KYB 40mm gas charged rear shock offers improved handling, and contributes to enhanced cornering performance as well. The shock features a piggyback reservoir, ensuring stable damping performance; it can also be adjusted for compression (high & low speed) and rebound damping as well as preload. An indispensable feature for any rider looking for comfort, the remote preload adjuster allows the rider to adjust settings for the bike’s load, on the road without any tools. The top of the rear shock mounts to the swingarm mounting plate, doing away with the need for frame cross members.

The bottom of the rear shock is mounted via a Uni-Trak^® linkage and has updated ratios for 2018. The linkage, situated below the swingarm, also mounts to the swingarm mounting plate.

Comfort Designed Seats

The seats of the Ninja H2 SX put comfort at a premium for both the rider and passenger. In fact, the two front seats were designed: a standard Comfort Seat that offers the rider a relaxed knee bend and thicker urethane cushioning; and an accessory low seat (15 mm lower) that allows for shorter reach to the ground. The passenger seat also follows with the theme of maximum comfort; ensuring that everyone enjoys their ride.

Clean Mount Saddlebag System

The mounting system for the accessory saddlebags allows them to be attached and removed very simply, contributing to improved convenience. Seamlessly integrating the saddlebags with the rear of the bike, the clean-mount system positions them close to the bike centerline, which enhances its clean design, ensuring the rear of the bike still looks good with the saddlebags removed.

Full LED Lighting

From headlamp to taillight, all the lights on the Ninja H2 SX – even the license plate bulb – are LED.

High Class Instrumentation

The advanced, high-tech design of the instrumentation conveys the flagship-level quality of the Ninja H2 SX. A full digital LCD screen complements the analogue-style tachometer, enhancing data visibility. Riders are offered two selectable display modes: Touring Mode and Sport Mode, each mode allows them to prioritize the information they want to see depending on the kind of riding they are doing at the time.

 Electronic Cruise Control

A first for Kawasaki sportbikes, electronic cruise control improves the overall comfort for those long days on the road. The new cruise control system enables riders to set and maintain their desired speed with the simple press of a button. Once activated, the rider does not have to constantly apply the throttle to maintain speed. The cruise control helps to reduce stress on the rider when traveling long distances, allowing the rider to relax and enjoy cruising, contributing to a high level of riding comfort.

Electronic Rider Assist Functions:

• Bosch 5-Axis IMU
• Kawasaki proprietary software allows for a sixth axis of measurement
• Kawasaki Cornering Management Function
• Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS)

The use of Bosch’s compact IMU allows an additional layer of precision to be added to the already high-level components. The system uses minimal hardware but complex Kawasaki proprietary software. IMU enables inertia along six DOF (degrees of freedom) to be monitored. Acceleration along longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes, plus toll rate and pitch rate are measured. The sixth axis, yaw rate, is calculated by the ECU using Kawasaki original proprietary software developed through World Superbike racing experience. Additional feedback from the IMU gives an even clearer real-time picture of chassis orientation, as it combines chassis orientation information with real time monitoring of the rider’s movements.

KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control)

The Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) featured on the Ninja H2 SX has three modes for riders to choose from that enable optimal performance for a wide range of riding conditions, offering either enhanced sport touring performance or the peace of mind under certain conditions to negotiate a variety of surfaces with confidence. Kawasaki’s advanced modeling software, complemented by feedback from the IMU, delivers this one of a kind precise control, making it a motorcycle that is truly Built Beyond Belief.

KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent Anti-lock Brake System)

Kawasaki’s supersport-style ABS is standard equipment on the Ninja H2 SX motorcycle. This is based on the same system used on the Ninja® ZX™-10R sportbike, with programming and settings revised to suit the performance parameters of both the sport and sporttouring category. High-precision brake pressure control enables the system to avoid reduced brake performance due to excessive pressure drops, allows lever feel to be maintained when KIBS is active, and helps ensure ABS pulses feel smooth (not heavy).

 Kawasaki Engine Brake Control

The Kawasaki Engine Braking Control system allows Ninja H2 SX riders to set the level of engine braking according to preference.

Adjustable Power Modes

Riders can set power delivery to suit conditions and/or preference, choosing from Full, Middle (75% power), and Low (50% power).

COLORS

The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX is available in Metallic Carbon Gray/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray. The Ninja H2 SX SE comes in a striking Emerald Blazed Green/Metallic Diablo Black.

MSRP

Ninja H2 SX $19,000

Ninja H2 SX SE $22,000

ACCESSORIES

Kawasaki offers a full line of genuine accessories for the 2018 Ninja H2 SX, which allows riders to equip their bikes with only what they find necessary. Kawasaki Genuine Accessories offers a frame slider set, Ergo-Fit reduced reach seat, KQR 28-Liter hard saddlebag set, Akrapovic slip-on muffler, helmet lock, and premium sport cover as well as a premium sport touring cover.

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